The Colorado Avalanche made a bold move during Tuesday’s NHL trades, paying a high price to dump a contract on the Pittsburgh Penguins in order to clear up valuable cap space. While some may question the logic behind this move, there is no doubt that the Avalanche are positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season.
The trade in question saw the Avalanche send veteran defenseman Ian Cole to the Penguins in exchange for forward Dominik Kahun and a 2020 third-round draft pick. On the surface, it may seem like a steep price to pay for a cap dump, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the Avalanche have made a shrewd move.
First and foremost, the Avalanche were able to shed Cole’s $4.25 million cap hit for this season and the next, giving them much-needed flexibility in terms of signing key players and making other moves. With the salary cap expected to remain flat for the next few years, this flexibility is crucial for teams looking to remain competitive.
But the Avalanche didn’t just clear cap space for the sake of it. They also added a talented young forward in Kahun, who has shown great potential in his short NHL career. At just 25 years old, Kahun has already proven himself to be a reliable scorer, tallying 25 goals and 30 assists in 138 career games. With his speed and playmaking abilities, he will be a valuable addition to the Avalanche’s already potent offense.
In addition to Kahun, the Avalanche also acquired a third-round draft pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. While this may not seem like a significant piece, it’s important to remember that the Avalanche have a history of finding gems in the later rounds of the draft. This pick could turn out to be a valuable asset in the future.
But perhaps the most important aspect of this trade is the message it sends to the rest of the league. By being willing to pay a high price to clear cap space, the Avalanche have shown that they are committed to building a winning team. This move signals to their players, fans, and the rest of the league that they are serious about contending for the Stanley Cup.
It’s also worth noting that this trade is just the latest in a string of savvy moves made by Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic. In recent years, he has managed to acquire key players such as Philipp Grubauer, Nazem Kadri, and Andre Burakovsky, all of whom have played important roles in the team’s success.
Of course, there will always be risks involved in any trade, and only time will tell if the Avalanche’s gamble will pay off. But one thing is for sure: the organization is committed to building a championship team, and they are not afraid to make bold moves in pursuit of that goal.
In the end, the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to pay a high price for a cap dump may seem like a risky move, but it’s one that could pay off in a big way. With newfound flexibility and a talented young forward added to their roster, the Avalanche are undoubtedly a team to watch in the upcoming season. And if they are able to bring home the Stanley Cup, this trade will be remembered as a key turning point in their journey to the top.
